Out-of-Center Auger Support for Combine Harvesters
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Solution Overview
Problem
The central support for the auger in combine harvesters obstructs crop flow to the feeder, as larger machines require additional mechanical support to prevent auger bending under increased weight, but existing solutions compromise crop transport efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The auger is split into two parts and supported at an out-of-center location with guide elements on either side of the coupling to facilitate smooth crop transition, allowing for efficient crop flow while maintaining mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the auger is supported at the center of the header, then the mechanical stability is improved and auger bending is prevented, but the crop flow to the feeder is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket is extracted from the central position and relocated to an out-of-center position, removing the obstruction from the crop flow path while maintaining the necessary mechanical support for the auger assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket is positioned asymmetrically at an out-of-center location rather than symmetrically at the center, creating an asymmetric support structure that avoids obstructing the crop flow while providing adequate mechanical stability
2Productivity
If the auger is supported only at outer extremities, then the crop flow path is clear, but the auger tube bends under increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
An additional support function is extracted and provided by the out-of-center support bracket, which supplements the outer extremity supports to prevent auger tube bending without obstructing crop flow
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is localized to a specific out-of-center position rather than being distributed symmetrically, providing targeted mechanical support exactly where needed to prevent bending while leaving the crop flow path clear
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration ensures efficient crop transport and mechanical stability by preventing auger bending without obstructing the crop flow, enhancing overall harvesting efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The rotatable auger 7 comprises a cylindrical tube 8 extending essentially along the full width of the header and provided with two oppositely wound helicoidal flights 9 and 10 on either side of the central area
Implementation Method 2
The upstream and downstream flight portions are provided with guide elements arranged between the respective extremities of the flight portions and the coupling. The guide elements facilitate the smooth transition of harvested crops from the upstream side of the coupling to the downstream side
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A header for a combine harvester comprises an auger (7) for transporting harvested crops from the sides of the header to the centre. The auger is rotatably supported at the location of the sidewalls (3) of the header, and comprises a first and second helicoidal flight (9,10) on either side of the header's centre. The auger is rotatably supported at at least one additional, out-of-centre location of the header. For this purpose, the auger is split into at least two parts (7a,7b), coupled together and rotatably supported at the out-of-centre location. One of the helicoidal flights is equally split in a flight portion (9a) upstream of the coupling and a flight portion (9b) downstream thereof. The upstream and downstream flight portions are provided with guide elements (20,21) arranged between the respective extremities of the flight portions (9a,9b) and the coupling.